Absolute Beginners: a new, future-proof factory for Park Royal
Absolute Beginners is an art project in the Park Royal Industrial Estate, where young people learnt how to make the basic goods that used to be produced in the area - and which we might need to make again in our uncertain future.
The project brought together groups of young people with no experience of manufacturing, to learn how to make just one thing - whether it’s A4 paper, drinking glasses or pencils – in as sustainable a way as possible, with local materials, low-tech tools and off-grid power. Our Absolute Beginners, aged 17 - 21, applied from all-across North-West London and over the course of the year have been busy learning, making and celebrating their local heritage.
The first product the Absolute Beginners mastered was paper. The final products are A4, 100% recycled and handmade.
Did you know paper used to be made in Park Royal by Harold Wesley? The same Harold Wesley responsible for the construction of the rows of terraced housing in Park Royal known as the Wesley Estate, once home to the workers of his stationary factory.
Other products made were handmade leather sandals, using off-cuts from Bill Amberg's Leatherworks in Park Royal, and clay cups, using waste clay dug up from the HS2 station construction.
Follow @a_beginners_ on Instagram to see some great images and keep up to date with news from the factory floor.
What do our Absolute Beginners think?
My experience as an Absolute Beginner has been something that I will never forget. The welcome I received from Tom and Cam made me feel appreciated and included, not once have I ever dreaded a meeting as they are so amazing! All meetings have taken place via a zoom call with a Samsung tablet that they provided me with. However, even whilst being virtual there haven’t been any restrictions when it came to the activities. For instance, a few weeks ago we had a meeting where we’re making bags out of pieces of old clothing and tie dying them. It was such an enjoyable experience and everyone on the course had a great time. During discussions there has not once been a moment where I felt my input was invalid - I felt my contributions were really respected. In our most recent meeting we were looking at interviewing skills with two aspiring film makers, which I found very useful as I can utilise this in any professional settings in future. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the course.
Kairie, Absolute Beginner participant
Absolute Beginners at London Design Festival
During the weekend of 24 - 26 September, Park Royal opened its doors to the public during the first ever Park Royal Design District, as part of London Design Festival 2021.
Opening their doors with them was the Absolute Beginners factory shop, where you could see (and buy) what our Absolute Beginners have been making over the last six months. A4 paper, tyre sandals, clay cups - all made by hand, off-grid, and with local recycled materials were for sale, and there was the opportunity to see items being made live on site.
Artist Tom James
Tom James is an artist and writer who creates DIY projects and publications that aim to help people imagine new structures and new ways of living. Recent projects include:
- The Clearing, a year-long collaboration with Alex Hartley to create a vision of the future in the grounds of Compton Verney Art Gallery, in Warwickshire
- King’s Cross Gas Workshop, a month-long residency at Arts Catalyst in London, in which he turned the gallery into a temporary, off-grid gas works.
Tom’s work has been featured across the British press, whilst his cult fanzine about Sheffield, GO, is today part of the permanent collection of the V&A.
Project team
OPDC leads: Grace Williams – Great Place Scheme Programme Manager
Our funders
Absolute Beginners and all Great Place Scheme projects form part of, In the Making, a collection of activities that Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) are delivering to shine a light on the positive changes happening now as part of this once-in-a-lifetime regeneration opportunity, delivering everyday improvements with local communities.
The Great Place Scheme has been supported by the Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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